The 413 Mom

Comics for Sneaky Learning! #nationalcomicbookday

Today on the Better Western Mass show, in honor of National Comic Book Day, we discussed the many benefits of sneaky learning provided by comic books. Comic books can be a great way to encourage a reluctant reader and provide creative inspiration to kids of all ages. Check out the segment here.  #raisingreaders #nationalcomicbookday

My Little Pony: The MOVIE coming October 6! Enter to win! #mylittlepony #giveaway #hasbro

Have you ever wondered about the creative force behind the mega popular franchise of My Little Pony? This iconic brand has been a part of pop culture for over 30 years and has recently experienced a resurgence through its Friendship is Magic storyline. Since its inception in 1981, these rainbow ponies have encouraged creative play through toys, books, television series and movies. AND the ponies will once again hit the big screen on October 6 with the premier of My Little Pony: The Movie. (Can. Not Wait.)

Although I had a few beloved ponies during my 80s childhood, My Little Pony took over my home in 2009 when Eden received her first Pinkie Pie as a birthday gift. It was love at first site and we have been mega fans ever since. My home is covered with MLP toys, books, and comics. Eden has drawn countless MLP sketches of her own and created some of her own storylines. Which is why were were overjoyed to be invited to the recent HASCON 2017 Hasbro fan event in Providence where we got to meet the writers, voice talent, illustrators, and brand manager for the franchise. 

In the photo above we met Meghan McCarthy who's official title is Head of Storytelling for Hasbro (how cool is that?!). She is a writer and producer for the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic animated series and the writer for the upcoming My Little Pony: The Movie.

I had to ask McCarthy how she got to be head of storytelling (since that's pretty much Eden's dream job) and she said as a child she was always, always, reading. And all the reading sparked her interest in writing which led to her career in writing for TV. 

We also asked McCarthy about the universal appeal of the MLP cartoons. The show is translated into over 45 languages around the world. (In Pinkie Pie speak, 'Betcha Didn't Know THAT!') If you've ever been to a PonyCon, you'd see that there are usually more adults in attendance than children. And that male fans are known as Bronys. This is not a character set that only appeals to little girls. 

"The problems you have at 11 years old are the same problems you have at 20 or 30 or 40," McCarthy said. "The problems don't change so at a basic level the show appeals to fans of all ages." The writers manage to keep the show age appropriate for the elementary school set, while throwing in pop culture references for those of us who don't necessarily eat PB&J for lunch daily. (Well, OK, I do that anyway...but have you even seen the bowling episode with a nod to The Big Lebowski?)

We also met with Tyla Bucher (shown below) who is Vice President of Global Brand Strategy & Marketing for My Little Pony. Her dream job is to oversee all of the super cool MLP merch we find in stores. It was fascinating to hear her talk about the 35-year history of the franchise and how Hasbro manages to keep reinventing the brand to keep it current. 

There was one burning question I HAD to ask Bucher....how do the ponies get their names and cutie marks? (You know you've always wondered too). She said they often sit around a table and toss around ideas based on what the pony looks like and it's characteristics.

"Sometimes it's easy and a name just sticks -- like 'Big Mac' -- he's part of the Apple family and he's a workhorse," she said. "Other times we can be more creative." I was a little disappointed that there isn't a huge MLP Bingo cage somewhere in Hasbro's HQ full of bingo balls with words like "sparkle," "dazzle," "fuchsia," and "genius," that her team pulls from to make name combinations...but I guess their approach makes sense. 

We even got to meet Mary Jane Begin, (shown below) who hardcore fans will recognize as the author and illustrator of the MLP books "My Little Pony Under the Sparkling Sea," and "The Dragons on Dazzle Island." She is actually a New England girl herself (Rhode Island) and teaches at RISD. 

AND....(drumroll please) if you've ever wondered what Pinkie Pie or Spike look like in real life? Or, I should say...the voice actors behind these characters, look no further. The pic below shows (from left) McCarthy, Andrea Libman (who voices Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy); Cathy Weseluck (Spike the Dragon); and Rebecca Shoicet (Sunset Shimmer). It was really interesting to learn how these women are all trained actors who use their voices to make the characters come alive. I'm embarrassed to say I've never really thought about the vocal talent behind the animation before but I'll never watch a cartoon the same way again.

HASCON was an unforgettable experience. We were able to geek out over MLP like never before. And my girl received so, so much encouragement for her own creative endeavors from all of these amazing women. I couldn't have asked for a better example to show her of a team of kick ass, creative women who make their living collaborating on a project that brings joy to people all over the world.

In honor of our love for all things ponified and our excitement for the upcoming movie we're giving away a Hascon exclusive My Little Pony Mystery Box and a collection of movie posters. All you have to do to be entered to win is comment below with the name of your favorite My Little Pony character. (One winner will be chosen at random from all entries on Thursday, September 28 at 10 p.m. ARV of prize $30). Good luck to all who enter!

 

Sneaky Learning Candy Science Experiments #toomuchcandy #thankseasterbunny

On today's Better Western Mass on Western Mass News I shared a few tips for using up some of that Easter candy lurking in the kitchen. Check out this link for a few sneaky learning candy science experiments! 

Calendar Collage - Don't recycle last year's calendar yet!

Quick, go grab your 2016 calendars out of the recycle bin. Let the kids cut out the images from the calendar pages and make collages. Free, unplugged, creative fun! Happy New Year! 

Gotta Go: Buttery Brook Park (South Hadley)

Buttery Brook Park in South Hadley is as delicious as it sounds. 

This perfect spot offers an awesome playground, a spray park, beautiful picnic areas, clean bathrooms, a skate park, and lots of parking. Also -- it is FREE for general use. 

It's so clean and inviting here -- the town has put a lot of funding into upgrades in the past few years with plans for even more additions in the future -- so you definitely want to put this park into your rotation. 

Buttery Brook is the perfect place to bring the whole family. The playground is well suited to kids of all ages -- it offers the big kids a funnel web for climbing and a gentle roundabout for the preschoolers with lots of challenges in between. There is lots of space to run around, and plenty of shady picnic spots.

The splash pad is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the accessible bathrooms/changing room is adjacent to the splash pad. And there are benches, people! Lots of benches around the splash pad. (I don't know why so many splash pads lack adequate parental seating.)

There is even a woodland trail where you can take a short hike. And, of course, a brook. This is a park where you can easily spend an entire afternoon. 

Buttery Brook also hosts many community events. You can check out their special events page to find out more about the happenings on the calendar like Santa's Land, an Easter egg hunt,  a children's summer concert series, and cruise nights every Friday during the summer. You can also rent the pavilions or part of the log cabin on the property for your own party or event. 

Buttery Brook Park is located at 123 Willimansett Street in South Hadley. The park is open from May through November from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. You can keep up to date with all of their happenings on their Facebook page. 

Gotta Visit: The Berkshire Carousel (Pittsfield)

 
The next time you're in Pittsfield you've got to check out the brand new Berkshire Carousel located at 50 Center Street.

This beautiful community attraction (it just opened on July 1) is truly unique as it is a new construction and was created not just as a carousel, but in order to create a community art project in the Berkshires. This is not a refurbished merry-go-round as so many are today (not that the oldies aren't awesome too).

The Berkshire Carousel is a true labor of love and was built and funded by a group of volunteers who were committed to bringing this work of art to the community since the project began in 2005. According to the group:

The Berkshire Carousel...was designed to create an authentic classic wooden carousel that is both a work of art and a wonderful form of family fun and entertainment. It is now a permanent display of the creative endeavors of The Berkshire County residents involved in it’s creation.

Hundreds of hours go into creating each and every horse. It is the most ambitious and largest permanent artwork ever created in the Berkshires.The project has involved volunteers from all over Berkshire County who have built, carved, sanded, and painted the carousel ponies and created the artwork that is featured on the ride.

The project was designed to engender community pride and participation, and to offer an opportunity for all local residents to participate and create a community legacy.

 

Many of the horses, carriages, paintings and decorations feature Berkshire landmarks, businesses and residents. The carousel was made possible through donations, community fundraising, and grant money. I love the idea that this building and all it holds was created for the purpose of bringing the community together in a celebration of art and the magic of childhood. I'm inspired by the fact that this project honors the idea that the simple joys in life are important. 

 

The Berkshire Carousel is the perfect first ride for little ones or folks with sensory issues -- it's gentle and slow and the music and lights are not overwhelming. Although there are no belts for the horses so any child under 42" tall must have an adult ride alongside and hold the little one on the horse (the adult is not charged admission). 

 

Obviously this is not an all-day destination -- but it is the perfect way to break up an afternoon of errands or a nice addition to any Berkshire day trip. 

Rides on the carousel are $2/person. Wooden ride tokens must be purchased at the white shed outside the carousel building near the parking lot. 

The Berkshire Carousel is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The carousel is available to rent for parties or special events.  You can find out more on their Facebook page. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gotta Go: Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams)

Set your GPS to 1 McCauley Road in North Adams and head up to the Northwest corner of our fair state and visit the Natural Bridge State Park. You. Won't. Be. Disappointed.

Natural Bridge is a small state park, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty and opportunities to explore. There are tons of stairs to climb, rocks to clamor on, bridges to cross, and a bit of access to the Hudson Brook where you can cool off your toes and toss some pebbles. This park contains the only naturally formed white marble arch and man-made white marble dam in North America. 

According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation:

The "natural bridge" for which the park is named, according to geologists, is 550 million year old bedrock marble, carved into an arch by the force of glacial melt water over 13,000 years ago; one of the best places in New England to demonstrate the effects of glaciation.

The views are spectacular. The glacial potholes are so unique. And the stairs and bridges that make up the walkway around the marble bridge are so much fun to explore. You can even see the remains of an old quarry.

If you head down the stairs to the park's driveway and look to the right, you will find a small path down to Hudson Brook. There is a shallow area where you can take off your shoes and wade and look for tiny fish. Go back up all the stairs and over the bridge to the other side of the dam you will find an open grassy area to run around in. 

There are lots of picnic tables and a few grills scattered around the park. However, there are no garbage cans -- you carry it in, you carry it out. 

The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Daily parking fee is $5/vehicle. You will need to park your car and enter the visitor's center to pay the fee at the desk. There are immaculate bathrooms and a few small exhibits in the visitor's center as well. 

Natural Bridge State Park is not an all-day destination, but it is an unforgettable one. It is a nice addition to a day trip to North Adams -- you can easily combine this park with a visit to another area attraction like Mass MoCA, Western Gateway Heritage State Park, or Clarksburg State Park. 

We did it! Mass Parks Passport (Western Region) Completed!

We did it! We did it! It may have taken just about a year and lots of road trips but we have finally completed our Massachusetts Parks Passport for the Western Region!

The Mass Parks Passport is a fun program that encourages you to explore different state parks in the region. To complete the West Region you need to visit 12 state parks in the Berkshires and collect a stamp from each park. 

We started out slowly last summer -- making a day trip out of each of the following parks:

• Tolland State Forest (Otis Reservoir -- awesome little beach)
• DAR State Forest (Goshen -- perfect swimming hole)
• October Mountain (Lee -- combined this with a trip to the Lee Premium Outlets)
• Bash Bish Falls (Washington -- spectacular hiking)
• Beartown State Forest (Monterey -- great boardwalk/pond area)
• Mount Greylock (Lanesborough -- epic, just epic. Maybe my favorite hiking in the whole state.)
• Pittsfield State Forest (Pittsfield)

But things really heated up this weekend, when we realized we could collect five stamps in one day. We had an epic Mohawk Trail road trip day where we visited five state parks in close proximity to each other:

• Mohawk Trail State Forest (Charlemont)
• Savoy Mountain (Florida -- the most beautiful lake)
• Natural Bridge State Park (North Adams -- amazing geology)
• Western Gateway Heritage State Park (North Adams -- more like a railroad museum about the Hoosac Tunnel)
• Ashuwillitcook (Adams -- collect this one at the trail head at the Berkshire Welcome Center)

So what's our big reward? The girls (any kid under age 16) can redeem a completed passport for a t-shirt featuring the state parks in each region. The t-shirt can only be collected at the regional office for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. For the Western Region, this collection site is in Pittsfield. 

The real reward; however, is the fact that we visited 12 memorable state parks that we probably would not have discovered otherwise. I would say the real gems of this program are Bash Bish Falls, Natural Bridge State Park, Savoy Mountain, Mount Greylock, DAR State Forest, and Beartown State Forest. Some of the most beautiful recreation land in the state. 

Parking fees at each site range from free to $8/day. You can find a complete list of fees here. You can also possibly request a Mass State Parks pass from your library which grants free entry to any state park. 

Happy Trails! 

 

 

Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children

I recently had the opportunity to attend a talk by Angela Hanscom, pediatric occupational therapist and author of the new book "Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children," and was fascinated by what she had to say about how lack of outside time is affecting many kids today. That we have become so obsessed with keeping our kids "safe" in the short term that we may actually be doing long-term harm. 

The ringer: "Spiritually, mentally, physically...children are being negatively affected by lack of outdoor play."

In her presentation Hanscom talked about how the rise in sensory issues in children today can be directly linked to their lack of exposure to nature. Due to the scheduled nature of childhood today many kids have never had the experience of splashing in a muddy puddle, climbing a high tree, rolling down a grassy hill, or building a fort in the woods. 

You know she had my heart when she told a story about driving through a neighborhood in her town and wondering aloud, "where are all the children?" I wonder the same thing out loud almost daily. 

Through her research, Hanscom has found that only 1 in 12 kids today have the same core strength and balance as kids in 1984. I know that in 1984 when I got out of first grade at 2:45 in the afternoon I would run home from school with my sister and best friends in the neighborhood, grab a quick snack, and then rush back outside until dinnertime to ride bikes, skateboard, play dodgeball, and tear around our backyards. 

A far cry from the after school routine today: the never-ending car line where kids single file out of the building, climb in the car and get shuttled to a scheduled activity. 

This book makes a lot of sense to me. 

Specifically, Hanscom believes, the muscle control issues presenting in kids today can be directly related to the fact that most children spend their entire waking hours upright -- sitting at a desk at school, walking around the playground at recess, going through drills at soccer practice after dinner. Kids today don't climb trees, hang upside down on monkey bars, or turn cartwheels at recess. 

Why not? Because they're not allowed to. Because we've all decided that the kids might get hurt by doing these things. But in reality, we're creating a whole host of other issues by not letting kids play like kids. 

As a result of all of this "uprightness" Hanscom and her colleagues are seeing huge increases in lack of balance, attention, emotional regulation, and increased aggression in their pediatric patients. 

She writes, "More and more teachers and parents everywhere are reporting that children are starting to fall out of their seats in school, are becoming more aggressive and easily frustrated, are having trouble paying attention, are showing more anxiety, and are spending less time in imaginary play than ever before. These symptoms are due in part to underdeveloped motor and sensory skills, which leave children underprepared for academics and overwhelmed by daily life and social situations."

Physiologically, the problem stems from the fact that when we don't use our bodies in a way besides being upright (no tumbling, climbing upside down, flipping over) the fluid in our inner ears thickens up and causes problems with our sensory responses. For example, many of us as adults can't stomach spinning rides at the amusement park like we used to. Because this ear fluid is mostly stationary (we don't flip, jump, or scramble anymore), it has thickened up and affected our sense of balance. But the problem is, children today are being affected in the same way because of a lack of natural movement.  

What's a modern parent to do?

The first step is easy: just get the kids outside. 

"Outdoors is the best place because there are no limits," Hanscom said. "Nature is the ultimate sensory experience."

She writes in the book, "My professional training had taught me that movement -- and a lot of it -- is key to preventing many of these problems. And through my own research, and in my personal life, I discovered that movement through active free play -- particularly in the outdoors -- is absolutely the most beneficial gift we as parents, teachers, and caregivers can bestow on our children to ensure healthy bodies, creative minds, academic success, emotional stability, and strong social skills." 

What can you do as a parent?

1) Make sure the kids have time for unstructured play. 

2) Let them be bored and create their own adventures.

3) Let them get dirty.

4) Let them play with sticks, rocks, mud.

5) Let them climb up the slide and slip down on their bellies.

6) Let them hang upside down from the monkey bars.

7) Take them to the woods. 

8) Let them jump off the couch and roll on the floor. 

9) Allow them more time to play. Not scheduled activities. Just play.

You get the idea. Give them the childhood you had. Kids need to spin, to go upside down, to tumble, and jump to reset their systems. What they don't need? More time standing in line awaiting their turn at soccer practice or dance class. They need to tear around the backyard and actually use that trapeze on the swingset. They need to zoom down the slide headfirst. They need to create their own adventures. 

As Hanscom states in Barefoot and Balanced, "Active free play outdoors is a kind of play that promotes healthy sensory and motor development in children. It is the antidote to your child spending hours sitting indoors and staring at screens, and to you as  a parent being too busy and overscheduled with kid activities to enjoy parenting. The outdoors awakens and rejuvenates the mind and engages all the senses at once."

In response to this phenomenon (and because it is just not possible for many parents to hang in the woods with their kids) Hanscom has founded an outdoor summer camp called Timbernook where children are encouraged to play independently in the woods. To get dirty, to build forts, hunt for rocks, climb trees, and to fall down and get back up again. 

If you are interested in a Timbernook camp, there are actually two sessions taking place here in Western Mass this summer -- a half day program for ages 4-8 taking place July 25-29 in Conway and a full day program for ages 8-12 being held August 1-5 in Haydenville. You can find out more here. 

Also, if you're kids would like to tear around the backyard please let me know. Cause we're still searching our neighborhood for some playmates....

Gotta Go: Family Float Trip with Zoar Outdoor (Charlemont)

Photo by Bob Story Photography*

There I was floating serenely down the Deerfield River on a picture perfect June afternoon. The sunscreen was on, the water was cool, I didn't have to do any heavy paddling, and my ten-year-old was tucked in safely beside me in her PFD taking it all in. 

"Are you always game to take adventures like this?" Austin, our trip guide asked me. 

"Managed adventures? Yes!" I answered enthusiastically. Because this river trip was so effectively managed for me that I didn't even have to pack snacks. It was all taken care of. All I had to do was show up ready for a relaxing time. 

When Brian Pytko, Rafting Manager at Zoar Outdoor invited my family to experience the Family Float Trip I was overjoyed. Although I love to be outside doing just about anything, I never imagined I'd be able to enjoy the river with Eden by my side -- (let's just say the words "white water" and "Eden" do not mix) and was so excited by this idea of a "float trip." The raft is put in on a calm stretch of the river in Charlemont and the group floats nine miles downstream to a take-out spot in Buckland. This length of the river is extremely mild  -- perfect for kids or anyone who is not jazzed about getting splashed in the face by cold rapids.  

In most places the water is clear and shallow enough that you can count the rocks on the bottom. There are no "scary" rapids -- just a few spots that rock the boat and cause some minor splashing. Nothing overwhelming. And, there's no heavy paddling required. The Family Float trip is scheduled for late afternoon so even the sun is not too oppressive.  

What do you need to do to prepare for this mini adventure? Put on your bathing suit (you will be able to get out and swim if you choose) and some shoes that are attached to your feet -- no crocs or flip flops allowed -- old sneakers or sandals are a must. Slather on the sunscreen and that's it. Leave everything else  in the car. Zoar will hold your keys at the barn and if you need to bring anything for an emergency (like maybe an epi-pen) they can fit it in the first aid kit, but there is really no room for anything else on the raft. If your group does not fill an entire raft, you will be grouped with other attendees. We were joined by another family -- a dad and his two teenage daughters -- and I always love how the dynamic of an occasion like this is enhanced by meeting new people and sharing a common experience. 

Before you board the raft, you will be given a life jacket and helmet to wear. I can't stand the sun in my eyes so I wore my baseball hat underneath the helmet -- it was a tight squeeze but not unbearable. Your feet will get wet in the raft and you will have the opportunity to cool off further if you'd like but no pressure -- you make the experience what you want it to be. 

Photo by Bob Story Photography

Our trip guide, Austin, was amazing as he made sure everyone was comfortable and entertained. Like any great gathering of strangers our conversations were enlightening -- topics ranged from native plant species, the history of the properties along the river, video games, Harry Potter, competitive swimming, and fart jokes. We mostly spent the afternoon gliding down the river, exchanging stories, paddling as a group from time to time and pointing out different ducks, birds, and plants along the way. Austin pointed out the best spots to hop out and swim for a bit and everyone took their chance.

I was so happy that Eden felt comfortable enough to swim in the river. She was unsure at first but once we reassured her she could touch the bottom (even though you're not supposed to -- keep you feet up at all times) she gave it a chance. And she loved it! I love it when my girls surprise me with their adventurousness. 

The afternoon also includes a picnic stop on a river island. Zoar makes all their own food in-house, right down to the cole slaw, and the sandwiches and salads were delicious -- I offered a bribe for the salsa recipe but was denied. 

We floated and paddled approximately 9 miles down the river in about three hours, jumped off the raft a few times to swim and cool off, had a quick picnic dinner, and exited the water around 7 p.m. The Zoar Outdoor van was waiting for us on the riverbank and it was a quick drive back to our cars in the parking lot. It was so relaxing. There is no hard work with the oars -- my arms/back weren't even sore the next day. 

 

Photo by Mike Ford

The Family Float trip costs $61/adult and $47/child (ages 5 and up which is why Faith stayed with Grandma).  You really need to be sure your child's attention span can wait out three hours on the river. The river guide will break up the trip with offers to swim where it is safe, they will also oversee splash games or other raft games to keep everyone entertained. It's the perfect splurge for a 413 staycation that everyone will remember. 

The float trip runs from May through September. Although they can sometimes accommodate last-minute reservations, you really should plan on registering in advance. You can visit the Zoar Outdoor calendar here to check availability. The trip heads out on the river at 3:30 and you should be back to your car by 7:30. 

Zoar Outdoor is located at 7 Main Street in Charlemont. I love that they are a local, family-owned business and also the very first to offer adventure sports on the Deerfield River (they started in 1989 so they really know their stuff). They also offer white water rafting tours, ziplining, yurt camping, tenting spots, cabins for rent, hiking, and kayak rentals. 

*Link to Bob Story Photography